Mechanism for handling molten metal



Dec. 12, 1944. T BECKES A 2,364,615

MECHANISM FOR HANDLING MOLTEN METAL Filed July 22, 1942 2 Sheets-Sheet lI N VEN TOR.

HTTORNEY Z/agd If Beq/(zs 1. M. BECKES 2,364,615

MECHANISM FOR HANDLING MOLTEN METAL I Filed July 22, 1942 Dec. 12, 1944.

2 Sheets-Sheet 2 lw 1m mum 62 4 a L. I 5227 16 20 =1 85 & 22 44 5g 21 II 21 H 42 v i 22 Q I 5 I46 vwijiiiim 70 1 IN VEN TOR.

[lugd fl. flakes Patented Dec. 12, 1944 MECHANISM FOR HANDLING MOLTEIMETAL Lloyd M. Beckes, San Francisco, Calii'., assignor to AmericanSmelting and Refining Company, New York, N. Y., a corporation of NewJersey Application July 22, 1942, Serial No. 451,827

12 Claims.

This invention relates to mechanism for handling molten metal and moreparticularly to an improved apparatus for pouring molten metal intomolds. The invention is especially useful for transferring metaldirectly from the melting pot into molds without the use of ladies orsimilar auxiliary handling equipment. Various kinds .of metals andalloys can be handled by the apparatus of this invention such as, moltenlead, tin, zinc, aluminum, babbitt, type-metal, and the like.

One object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the characterdescribed which'is operable to maintain a continuous flow of moltenmetal from the melting pot through the apparatus whereby the parts arekept heated sufiiciently high to prevent cooling of the molten metal toa point where its discharge from a pouring spout is interrupted.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for handlingmolten metal which is simple in construction but highly eiiflcient inoperation and wherein the stream of molten metal can be easilycontrolled so that no splashing occurs and whereupon excess metal isreturned to the melting pot to stir the melt.

Another object is to provide an improved mechanism for dispensing metaldirectly from the melting pot so that exposure of the molten metal toair and the atmosphere in which the operator is working is held to aminimum thereby decreasing the amount of oxidized metal ordinarilyformed while affording increased safety to the operator.

A further object is to provide a device of this nature which utilizes apump, discharge and return pipe line and nozzle mechanism for conveyingand handling the molten metal, and wherein the mechanism is supportedover the melt and moved as a unit while connected therewith, wherebymolten metal may be discharged into molds or receptacles disposed in theform of a circle about the melting pot,

Although the novel features which are believed to be characteristic ofthis invention will be more,

particularly pointed out in the claims appended hereto, the inventionitself, as to its other objects and advantages and manner of operationmay be better understood by referring to the following description takenin connection with the accompanying drawings formin a part thereof, inwhich:

Figure l is a plan view of one form of apparatus for practicing theinvention and wherein molds for forming castings are shown arrangedtherearound;

Figure 2 is a sectional elevation view taken substantially on the lineI--! of Figure 1 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary sectional view taken through the pipe linesystem and nozzle means, and indicating by arrows the normal coursefollowed by the liquid metal when the pump is operating and the nozzleis in raised non-pouring position;

Figure 4 is an enlarged elevational view taken substantially on the line4-4 of Figure 2 looking in the direction of the arrows, the mold standbeing shown partly broken away.

Referring to the drawings in detail, particularly Figures 1 and 2, thenumeral [0 designates a melting pot or reservoir for holding moltenmetal 12, which is to be cast. The melting pot is supported on acircular wall means II,- as shown in Figure 2, and sufllcient heat issupplied to the pot to maintain its contents, for example lead, in amolten state. Any suitable means for heating the pot to melt andmaintain the metal at the desired temperature may be used.

A carriage-like movable frame means It is disposed over the melting potID. This frame is arranged to rotate about its vertical axis whilesupported on the endless track i8 which extends around the melting poton top of the wall means I4. A frame of sturdy construction is providedand, as illustrated, comprises the spaced beams 20, spanning the meltingpot, which are tied to-- gether by suitable cross members 2| to form arigid structure. The under frame portion 22 is fitted with wheels 23which are set on a radius to run on the track II.

In order to feed the molten metal from the pot in, a rotary pump means25 is utilized which is carried by the frame It and positioned near thebottom of the melting pot or so that it is immersed in the molten metalwhen in use. The pump is preferably of the gear type but any other kindmay be usedas the particular design of the pump is not a feature of thisinvention. As illustrated in Figure 2, the pump 25 is suitably fastenedto the frame it by securing the upper end portion of the pump driveshaft housing 26 to the member 21 attached to the frame. 28 is utilizedto operate the pump. This motor is supported on the frame l6 andpreferably mounted a suitable distance above the melt as by fixing themotor bracket means 30 on the stand 3! which in turn is fastened to theframe. The pump shaft 32 is extended and drivingly connected to themotor drive shaft 34 through a suitable clutch means 36 in theconventional manner.

A motor L nin 11C operation, molten metal is pumped from the melting potthrough th pipe line 38 and is discharged from the nozzle means,generally designated 36. To provide for continuous circulation of hotmolten metal through the ,parts to prevent freezing of the metal whichwould interrupt the discharge of molten metal from the nozzle, a returnpipe line means M is connected, to the discharge line 38 near its outerend. The apparatus is arranged to deliver errcess metal to the dischargenozzle means 50 which is returned to the melting pot through pipe 42 asshown in Figures 2 and 3. Suitable means are provided for fixedlyattaching the pipe lines and 42 to the rotatable frame US, as shown at ii and 46.

A hood 38, having depending side wall means til and a communicating duct59 is arranged over the melting pot iii to limit the access of air andcarry on any vapors formed. This hood and associated duct is carried bythe frame it and moves therewith. E referabiy, the hood 48 ex tends onlypartially over the top of the melting leaving an open space throughwhich pipes and s: are conveniently arranged to pass. A hinged doormember 5% provides a'closure for the hood adjacent the opening 52. Thisdoor can be swung back to afford access to the interior when desired.

The return P pe it passes through an aperture iii in the door 56 and thedischarge end portion is curved downwardly and extended, as shown at(it, so that the molten metal returned is discharged below the surfaceof the melt. This provides an effective way of maintaining the moltenmetal in the melting pot thoroughly stirred while i being dispensedwinch is desirable.

d it will observed, the dual ien of prevent ng the molten metal from inipe and nozzie secwith the delivery of .izne serving to eflectivepipesand attached nozzle means are carried by the frame move a unit therewithas the frame is turned, about on the track 18. To permit the duct tomove with the frame l6 while remaining in communication with 2. Staticstack portion fit, the stack 60 is connecte with'the duct by means of atelescoping stationary section 52 which is positioned so that itslongitudinal axis coincides with the extended central axis about whichframe 58 rotates. A rotatable joint, such as illustrated at 63 in Figureis preferably provided. The duct 50 is held rigidly in place by suitablysecuring to the top of peter 28 by means of e. brace member 64.

in order to regulate the dew of metal in the pipes 38 42, valves A, Band C are provided in syster ilustrated in Figure 3. By varying thesetting of valves A and B, the flow of through pipe lines 33 and it canbe halahead so no overflow from the nozzle it occurs when it is tippedup in the position shown in Figure 3. The urplus flow of molten metal,this instance, diverted back to the melting not it by way of the pipe 12which is suitably c to the discharge pipe 38 between the va VLS A and B.The return pipe line 42 connects with the dischar e line 33 sufficientlynear the nozzle ii? so that heat from the molten metal flowing throughthe system is continuously supplied to the nozzle and associated partsto preulation of the molten metal in the pipes 38 vent freezing of themolten metal in these parts when the nozzle 40 is cut off or turned upas illustrated in Figure 3. Valve C is placed in the return line, asshown, to provide means for venting the pipeline.

The nozzle 40 is preferably forked to form two pouring spouts 10. Thispermits the simultaneous filling of two single or compound molds, asillustrated at 12. Nozzles having any desired number of spots may beused. The molds 12 are supported on stand 14 in the conventional mannerand arranged in a circle about the melting pot as shown in Figure 1. Amanifold pipe section 18 is attached to the nozzle 40 and is fixedlysecured thereto by means of a set screw 19. At the opposite end, themanifold section 18 is connected to an elbow pipe member which isthreaded onto the outer end of the pump discharge pipe line 38. Theelbow pipe 80 comprises the threaded sections BI and 82 which permitturning of the nozzle to different positions of adjustment.

A handle member 83 is preferably provided on the nozzle 40, asillustrated in Figures 2 and 4, to facilitate turning the nozzle up ordown and sideways to adjust the flow of metal from the spouts 10.Pouring of molten metal from the spouts I0 is controlled by raising orlowering the nozzle as by turning it about the pipe thread section 8|.To proportion the discharge from the two pouring spouts 10, the nozzlemanifold 18 is rotated about the threaded pipe sections 82 which willcause unequal streams of metal to flow from the spouts depending uponthe amount of rotation.

The operation and use of my apparatus will be readily understood bythose skilled in the art from the foregoing description. When castingwith my apparatus the molten metal can be melt ed and pumped directlyfrom the melting pot into the molds arranged therearound as illustratedin the drawings and the use of hand or crane operated iadles or the likeequipment is unnecessary. Further, by utilizing my apparatus the castingoperation is markedly speeded up and freezing and clogging of the nozzleor discharge line is avoided. Also as a result of the novel arrangementof the discharge line and valve control means, it is possible toaccurately regulate the flow of metal so that no splashing or undueexposure of the molten metal to air during casting occurs.

The apparatus is adapted for a. wide range of capacities and may, ifdesired, be mounted on a portable base for transportation. It will alsobe understood that the apparatus may be modified to adapt it to varyingconditions and uses without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined by the claims.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for handling and dispensing mol ten metal comprising amelting pot, a frame mounted thereover, said frame being movablerelative to said melting pot, a pump disposed in said melting pot andcarried by said frame,,means for operating said pump, a dischargeconduitoonnected'to said pump throughwhich molten metal is forced from said notinto molds or the like receptacles, means comprising a. second conduitwhich is connected to said discharge conduit near its outlet forby-passing excess molten metal back said melting pot, a pump carried bysaid frame and suspended in said melting pot, means for operating saidpump, discharge conduit means connected to the outlet of said pumpthrough which molten metal is adapted to be pumped, nozzle means on theouter end of said discharge conduit, means for by-passing molten metalflowing through said conduit back to said melting pot, said by-passmeans being connected to said discharge conduit in close proximity tosaid nozzle whereby molten metal retained in said nozzle when the sameis shut off is maintained molten by heat supplied by the metalcirculated through said discharge conduit and by-pass means to saidmelting pot.

3. Apparatus for handling and dispensing molten metal from a melting potor receptacle hold ing molten metal comprising a frame means disposedadjacent to said melting pot and movable relative thereto, a pumpcarried by said frame and arranged to be immersed in the molten metalcontained in said receptacle said frame being supported for movement ona circular endless track which extends around said melting pot, meansfor operating said pump, a discharge line connected to said pump fromwhich molten metal is dispensed, means for circulating at least aportion of said molten metal entering said discharge line back to saidreceptacle to maintain the molten metal thoroughly mixed in saidreceptacle while at the same time preventing freezing of the moltenmetal in the discharge line or associated parts during the dispensingoperation.

4. Apparatus for handling and dispensing molten metal into molds or thelike comprising a frame, a pump mounted on said frame which is adaptedto be positioned and operated to pump molten metal from a melting pot orreceptacle containing molten metal, said pump having a discharge lineextending from said pump, nozzle means on the outer end of saiddischarge line, return line means connected with said discharge lineadjacent said nozzle means for conducting excess molten metal deliveredto said nozzle back to said receptacle, said pump, discharge and returnline means being supported for movement as a unit relative to saidmelting pot and forming a circuit through which molten metal may becontinuously circulated, said pump and associated molten metaldispensing mechanism being carried by the frame, said frame beingsupported for rotation on a track arranged around said melting pot.

5. An apparatus according to the preceding claim wherein valve means areprovided in the discharge line for controlling the flow of molten metalthrough the discharge and return lines.

6. Apparatus for handling and dispensing molten metal from a melting potinto molds or the like arranged in a circle thereabout comprising a pumpand discharge conduit means, structural frame means arranged adjacentsaid melting pot for supporting said pump and discharge conduit, meansfor operating said pump carried by said frame, molten metal passagewaymeans communicating with said discharge conduit near its outer end andextending back to said melting pot for returning a portion of the moltenmetal being pumped through said discharge conduit to said pot, means forrotatively supporting said frame and associated parts whereby saiddischarge conduit can be moved laterally in a circle about said meltingpot to dispense molten metal into molds stationed therearound.

'1. Apparatus for handling and dispensing molten metal from a meltingpot or container comprising a movable frame means, a pump and dischargeconduit carried by said frame, a hood mounted on said frame and disposedover said -melting pot, a duct connected to said hood and communicatingwith a stack, a nozzle on said discharge conduit for controlling theflow of molten metal dispensed, means for by-passing a portion of saidmolten metal flowing through said discharge conduit back to said meltingpot whereby sufiicient heat is'continuously supplied to the nozzle andassociated discharge conduit sections to prevent chilling of the moltenmetal to a point where clogging of the apparatus would result, saidby-passed metal being arranged to discharge below the surface of saidmolten metal in the melting pot to effect a thorough mixing of the melt.

8. An apparatus according to the preceding claim wherein the nozzlecomprises a number of spouts for discharging molten metal simultaneouslyinto a plurality of molds, said nozzle being adjustable whereby the samecan be raised or lowered to control the pouring of the molten metal fromsaid spouts or turned sideways to vary the proportionate amount ofmolten metal discharged from said spouts.

9. Apparatus for handling and dispensing molten metal from a melting potor similar receptacle comprising a frame, said frame being supported forrotation on a track adjacent said melting pot, a pump and dischargeconduit means carried by said frame and arranged so that the pump can bedisposed in said melting pot, means for operating said pump, a hood andconnecting stack means supported by said frame and adapted to bepositioned over at least a portion of the melt, additional conduit meanscarried by said frame and communicating with said discharge conduit nearits outer end for conveying at least some of the molten metal which ispumped through said discharge conduit back to said melting pot to stirthe melt and maintain the discharge conduit heated whereby molten metalcan be dispensed intermittently therefrom.

10. In apparatus of the class described, mechanism comprising a pump forpumping molten metal, discharge conduit means connected to the outletside of said pump, return conduit means communicating with saiddischarge conduit intermediate its ends to provide for continuouscirculation of molten metal through said discharge and return conduitswhen said pump is in operation, said discharge and return conduits beingarranged to be swung about the melt as a unit whereby molten metal canbe dispensed into receptacle means disposed adjacent thereto, valve i.

means positioned in said discharge conduit beyond the juncture of saidreturn conduit with said discharge conduit, additional valve meanspositioned in said discharge conduit between said juncture and saidpump, said valves being adjustable to regulate the flow oi molten metalthrough said conduits.

'11. In apparatus of the class described, mechanism comprising a pump,interconnected discharge and return pipe line means to provide forcontinuous flow of molten metal through the apparatus, means forsupporting said mechanism over a container holding molten metal, saidmechanism being arranged to be rotated as a unit whereby molten metalcan be discharged into molds disposed about the melt, a plurality ofvalves disposed in said line for controlling the flow of molten metalthrough said apparatus, and

adjustable nozzle means disposed on the outer end of said discharge pipefor regulating the pouring of the molten metal into said molds.

12. In apparatus oi the class described, mechanism for dispensing moltenmetal from a melting pot or similar receptacle, said mechanismcomprising a rotatable frame, a pump and discharge conduit carried bysaid frame, said pump being adapted to be suspended in said melting foroperating said pump, a hood carried by said frame and movable therewith,said hood being arranged over said melting pot, a duct connected to saidhood for conveying away vapors, a stationary stack means communicatingwith said duct, said stack being continuously connected to said duct bya rotatable section which is positioned so that the axis about which itrotates is in alignment with the vertical axis about which not whilepumping molten metal from said pot 10 said frame rotates. outwardthrough said discharge conduit, means LLOYD M. BECKES.

